BECKY SCHLIKERMAN writes:
The Iowa caucus sounds like a singular event. When one hears about it, it may seem like an event the entire state attends at the same place. Although that is a ridiculous thought, since the caucus wasn't a part of my life before, I never really gave much thought to the process.
Attending the caucus, however, taught me a lot about the process, which is complicated. And it also taught me how important it is for Iowans.
The Republicans and Democrats caucus separately, and each party has its own way of caucusing. While the Democrats caucus with a public showing of support, the Republicans cast a secret ballot. There are other differences, but those are the most obvious ones. There are 99 counties throughout the state, and each county is broken down into precincts. There are 1,781 precincts in Iowa.
I attended a Republican caucus in Scott County in the Quad Cities. There were about 200 people there. Some were displaying their support for a candidate with stickers and signs, but most were not.
The registered voters were given a handmade packet of pieces of differently colored papers for caucus-goers to write down which candidate they supported. Before people voted, one supporter for each candidate spoke on behalf of him.
People were abuzz with excitement, especially the first-time caucus-goers I spoke with.
One 18-year-old high school student, who was supporting Mitt Romney, was eager to be a part of what he considered to be an important process.
Similarly, another 18-year-old first-time participant thought supporting John McCain was an important duty because of his firm stance on the Iraq war. Her brother, she said, was a soldier fighting in Iraq.
While reading the news stories, including mine, that reported percentages and final numbers, one may forget that each vouch of support is more than just a number. Some are deeply personal. Whether the so-called vote is cast as a rite of passage or because of support for a relative, each one is more than just a number. It is a deeply personal decision.
Becky Schlikerman is an undergraduate journalism student from Miami, Florida.
Posted by awiens at January 8, 2008 5:40 PM
